Reign As Recounted in The Chach Nama
The Chach Nama is the oldest chronicle of the Arab conquest of Sindh.
The primary reason noted in the Chach Nama for the expedition by al-Hajjaj against Raja Dahir, was the raid by pirates off the coast of Debal, resulting in the capturing both gifts to the caliph from the King of Serendib (modern Sri Lanka) as well as the female pilgrims on board who were captured.
The Chach Nama reports that upon hearing of the matter, al-Hajjaj wrote a letter to the Raja, and upon unsuccessful resolution being reached, launched a military attack. Other reasons attributed to al-Hajjaj's interest was in (1) gaining a foothold in the Makran, Balochistan and Sindh regions, (2) protecting the maritime interests, and (3) to teach the armies from Sindh a lesson, for participating alongside Persians in various battles such as those at Nahawand, Salasal and QÄdisiyyah and the granting of refuge to fleeing rebel chieftains.
There is another untold history that al-Hajjaj's decision to send a powerful army of soldiers, commanded by his nephew, Muhammadibn Qasim, was actually an act of revenge which was spurred by Raja Dahir's refusal of handing over some Arab exiles who had fallen out of favour with Hajjaj and had taken asylum in Sindh.
Read more about this topic: Al-Hajjaj Ibn Yusuf
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